Yarn moisture conditioning machine



Aug. 15, 1961 w. BROWN ET AL 2,995,828

YARN MOISTURE CONDITIONING MACHINE Filed May 26, 1958 6 Sheets-Sheet l F/GI FIG 2 INVENTORS 4 Walker Brow/ 3% BY Charles R. Scheur/ng Aug. 15, 1961 w. BROWN ETAL YARN MOISTURE CONDITIONING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 26, 1958 FIG l6 3 60 FIG 2 Aug. 15, 1961 w. BROWN ET AL YARN MOISTURE CONDITIONING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 26, 1958 I32 26 INVENTORS Wa/fer Brown BY Charles R Scheuring Aug. 15, 1961 w. BROWN ETAL YARN MOISTURE CONDITIONING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed May 26, 1958 T QNN QMN Rm m o g LQBQWE D fish 2 48 E N mum vmm INVENTORS Wa/fer Brown BY Charles R Sc/zeur/ng JM Q3 (Wt/X ADJ s.

kmksm E 5, 1961 w. BROWN ET AL 2,995,828

YARN MOISTURE CONDITIONING MACHINE Filed May 26, 1958 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 v\ g s] Q01 0 NA IQ v m ,E n LG Q x 9 8 J 3 N (\J & N

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A O O w-\ w 3 INVENTORS Waller Brown BY Charles R. Scheur/ng Aug. 15, 1961 w. BROWN ET AL 2,995,828

YARN MOISTURE CONDITIONING MACHINE Filed May 26, 1958 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 AJ NE INVENTOR5 Wa/fer Brown Charles A. Scheuring w. mmi IL m 1 I? 3% g m @E United States Patent 2,995,828 YARN MOISTURE CONDITIONING MACHINE Walter Brown, Angola, and Charles R. Scheuring, Lake James, Ind., assignors to Paramount Textile Machinery Co., Kankakee, 111., a corporation of Illinois Filed May 26, 1958, Ser. No. 737,653 17 Claims. (Cl. 34-92) This invention relates to machines for conditioning yarns and particularly to an automatic machine for setting twist yarns.

Twist yarn, whether it be made of cotton, wool, silk, synthetic fibres or mixtures of these, after having been produced by a spinning mill is usually wound in cones. The yarn is stored and sold in the cones. In order to set the twist yarn and to make the yarn usable for further operations such as Weaving, knitting and the like, it is desirable that the yarn have a moisture content uniformly distributed throughout all the yarn in the cone. The moisture content further must be closely controlled and held within close tolerances.

Heretofore the desired moisture content of the yarn has been obtained by conditioning the yarn, i.e., by placing the cones from the winder in a steam chamber and subjecting the cones to steam for a period of from two to twelve hours. This treatment insures a complete penetration of moisture to the innermost layers of the yarn in the cone. More recently an improved method has been developed and used in the trade for imparting to the twist yarn the desired moisture content. In this new method the cones are placed in a pressure chamber which is then evacuated, i.e., the air pressure is reduced to a low value. This serves to draw the air out of the small pockets between the fibres. Thereafter steam under moderate pressure is injected into the pressure chamber. In a subsequent step the moisture content is reduced to the desired level by subjecting the cones to a second vacuum or reduced pressure treatment. The newer method reduces the treating time from a few hours required by the older method to a few minutes. However, the new method has been heretofore carried out in essentially a batch operation.

It is an important object of the present invention to provide an improved machine for imparting a desired moisture content to twist yarn, hereafter referred to also as conditioning the yarn, the machine subjecting the yarn to a vacuum followed by treatment with steam followed by a further vacuum to produce the desired moisture content in the yarn.

Another object of the invention is to provide a twist yarn setting and conditioning machine of the type set forth which is substantially automatic in operation.

In connection with the foregoing object it is another object of the invention to provide a twist yarn setting and conditioning machine which treats the yarn more quick ly and with a saving of labor costs.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a twist yarn setting and conditioning machine which is more economical in operation in that the consumption of steam is reduced and the volume of air and vapor removed during the vacuum steps is held to a minimum.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a twist setting machine having an automatic control mechanism which insures a proper sequence of treatment of the yarn and a proper duration of the treatment for each step thereof. v

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings wherein like reference "ice numerals have been utilized to designate like parts throughout:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view with certain portions broken away of a yarn conditioning machine made in accordance with and embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged view with certain portions broken away and showing the lower treatment chambers or vessels;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged view of the loading portion of the yarn conditioning machine with certain parts thereof in section substantially as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 3--3 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a further enlarged fragmentary view in vertical section through the adjacent seals for one set of upper and lower treating chambers substantially as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 44 of FIGURE 2, the seals having been shown in the deflated condition;

FIGURE 5 is a view similar to FIGURE 4 but showing the parts in the sealed condition, the section having been taken at a slightly different point on the other set of treating chambers to illustrate the manner in which the three flanges at the end of each treating chamber are connected;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged view in horizontal section through the upper treating chambers substantially as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 6-6 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged view in horizontal section through the loading portion of the machine substantial- :ly as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 7--7 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 8 is a view in vertical section through a cone carrying basket useful in the present invention;

FIGURE 9 is a view in horizontal section through the basket of FIGURE 8 substantially as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 9-9 in FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 10 is a diagrammatic view of certain portions of the automatic control mechanism for the machine;

FIGURE 11 is a schematic diagram of the relation of certain of the control valves and showing the connection and operation thereof for controlling certain portions of the operation of the machine; and

FIGURE 12 is a schematic diagram showing the flow connections for air, steam and vacuum and certain of the control devices for effecting automatic operation of the machine.

Refer-ring now to FIGURE 1 of the drawings there is shown a machine generally designated by the numeral 20 and made in accordance with and embodying the principles of the present invention. The machine 20 includes a frame 22 which is supported upon an underlying support surface such as a floor 24. Four upright angle iron frame members 26 are provided, the frame members 26 being interconnected at the top by transverse frame members 28 and a plate 29 and at the bottom by a pair of channel-shaped frame members 30 (see FIGURE 3 also). The frame 22 may be further braced against a vertical wall 31 by means of members 33. Mounted upon the frame 22 is a first treatment chamber or vessel generally designated by the numeral 32 which is adapted to receive a basket (shown in FIGURES 8 and 9 in detail and to be described later) having a plurality of yarn cones thereon. Positioned above the vessel 32 is one of two shiftable treating vessels, the one being designated by the numeral 34. The vessel 34 is adapted to receive a basket of cones from the vessel 32 for further treatment. Mounted adjacent to the vessel 34 and mounted for movement therewith as will be explained more fully hereafter is a second upper treating vessel 36. Positioned beneath the treating vessel 36 is a second stationary or fixed treating vessel 38 in which the treated yarn has the moisture content thereof reduced to the final desired value by applying a vacuum or reduced pressure thereto. The finished and conditioned yarn, still positioned on the basket, is then removed from the treating vessel 38 and taken to the point of storage.

Referring now more particularly to FIGURES 2, 4 and 5 of the drawings, the construction of the treating vessel 32 will be described in greater detail. The treating vessel 32 comprises a cylindrical outer wall or casing 40 which is provided at each end thereof with a seal, the lower seal being generally designated by the numeral 42 and the upper seal being generally designated by the numeral 44. The seals 42 and 44 are substantially identical in construction and, accordingly, only seal 44 will be described in detail with reference to FIGURES 4 and 5 of the drawings. Suitably aflixed to the end of the casing 40 is a first outwardly extending flange 46, the flange 46 having been illustrated as being welded to the casing '40, the casing 40 being received in a counter sunk portion of the flange 46 and welded thereto as at points 48. A center flange 50 is provided which is concentric with the flange 40. A third flange 52 concentric with the flanges 46 and 50 is provided, the flanges 46, 50 and 52 being interconnected by bolts 54. The bolts 54 interconnecting the flanges of the seals at the upper ends of the vessels 32 and 38 also pass through the plate 29 to mount the vessels on the plate 29. The center flange 50 carries a flexible and extensible seal member 56 which extends around the inner periphery of the flange 50, the flange 50 having a cutaway channel 58 formed therein. A pair of annular retainers 60 cooperate with the center flange 50 and the adjacent flanges 46 and 52 to hold the inflatable seal 56 in operative position. Means is provided in the form of a channel opening 62 in the flange 50 to introduce air under pressure into the area defined by channel 58 and the inflatable seal 56. When air under pressure is introduced through the channel 62, the seal 56 is inflated as illustrated in FIGURE 5.

The lower seal 42 is constructed as described above. The upper seal 44 in addition is provided with a recess to receive an O-ring 64 to provide a pressure and fluidtight joint between the upper seal 44 and another seal generally designated by the numeral 66 which is provided at the lower end of the treating vessel 34. In addition a bore 68 is provided in the upper surface of the flange 52 of the seal 44 to receive therein a pin 70 carried by the seal 66 whereby properly to position the upper vessels 34 and 36 with respect to the lower vessels 32 and 38 as will be described in greater detail hereafter.

The upper treating vessel 34 also includes a cylinder casing 72 closed by an integral wall 74 at the upper end thereof as can be most clearly seen in FIGURE 1 of the drawings. The lower end of the casing 72 has mounted thereon the seal 66. The seal 66 is substantially identical with the seals 42 and 44 described above and, accordingly, like reference numerals have been applied to like parts of the seal 66 where appropriate. The upper seal flange 46a, however, is different from the flange 46. The flange 46a extends to the left as viewed in FIG. 1 to form a part of the seal for vessel 36.

The upper treating vessel 36 is constructed substantially identical with the treating vessel 34 and more particularly includes a cylindrical casing 76 closed at the upper end thereof by an integral wall 78 and being provided at the lower end thereof with an inflatable seal generally designated by the numeral 80. The seal 80 is identical in construction with the seal 66 described above and, accordingly, like reference numerals have been applied to like parts throughout.

The lower treating vessel 38 is in general constructed like the treating vessel 32 and more particularly includes a cylindrical casing 82 provided at the lower end thereof with an inflatable seal generally designated by the numeral 84 and at the upper end thereof with an inflatable seal 86. The seals 84 and 86 are formed substantially identical to the seals '42 and 44, respectively, described above and therefore like reference numerals have been applied to like parts where appropriate.

The cones or packages of yarn to be treated in the machine 20 have been designated by the numeral 86 in the drawings and comprise superimposed layers of yarn wound in a suitable form as illustrated. In order to facilitate the handling of the cones of yarn 86 while being moved from one treating vessel to the next, it is desirable to place the cones upon a basket such as that illustrated in FIGURES 8 and 9 of the drawings and generally designated by the numeral 90. The basket 90 is provided with a bottom annular ring 92 which has a diameter substantially greater than the diameter of a cone 8'6. Positioned in the ring 92 is a circular plate 94 which is positioned a short distance downwardly from the upper edge of the ring 92 and is welded thereto to provide an upstanding flange 96. Welded to the upper surface of the plate 94 is a ring 98 havinga diameter such that it can conveniently receive and support one of the cones 86 thereon. Extending upwardly from the bottom ring 92 is a pair of side plates 100 which are arcua-te in cross section as viewed in FIGURE 9. The lower ends of the side plates 100 are welded to the bottom ring 92 and the upper ends thereof support and are welded to an upper ring 102. The upper ring 102 has an imperforate circular plate 104 mounted therein and welded thereto, the plate 104 being spaced downwardly from the upper edge of the ring 102. Mounted on the side plates 100 at suitable intervals therealong are intermediate support plates 106, four intermediate support plates 106 having been shown for purposes of illustration although it is to be understood that a greater number or a lesser number may be used if desired. Each of the plates 106 has a downwardly extending annular flange 108 formed thereon. Extending inwardly from the downwardly extending flange 108 is an apertured flange 110. This construction provides a good support for a yarn cone 86 as is illustrated in FIGURE 8 of the drawings. It will be seen that the basket 90 can conveniently hold five yarn cones at one time. The space between the edges of the side plates 100 is such and the distance between adjacent support plates is such that the cones 86 can be readily placed upon and removed from the basket 90.

As may be best seen in FIGURE 5 of the drawings the drawings the external diameter of the rings 92 and 102 on the basket 90 is only slightly less than the internal diameter of the casings of the various vessels. Likewise from FIGURE 8 it can be seen that the cones 86 occupy a major portion of the volume within the basket 90. Accordingly, when a basket 90 loaded with cones is inserted in a vessel, the major portion of the volume within the vessel is occupied by the cones 86. When the vessel is to be evacuated, only a minimum amount of air need be removed to obtain a desired degree of evacuation. Similarly when steam is injected into a vessel filled with the cones 86, only a minimum amount of steam is required in order to provide a suitable atmosphere. In moving from one vessel to another there is a minimum contamination from outside air since the greater portion of the volume of the vessels is occupied by the cones. The result is a machine which is very economical in the consumption of steam and vacuum per cone treated.

Means is provided to aid in loading the basket 90 into the lower treating vessel 32 to begin the treating operation and to remove fully treated and conditioned cones from the treating vessel 38 at the end of the conditioning operation. To this end a carriage generally designated by the numeral 112 has been provided. The carriage 112 includes a lower plate 114 from which depend four pairs of flanges 116, each pair of flanges 116 supporting a wheel 118. The wheels 118 are mounted to run upon a track 120 supported upon the channel shaped frame members 30 (see FIGURE 3 particularly).

The plate 114 has a cutout or opening 122 therein of the shape illustrated best in FIGURE 7 of the drawings. Extending partially around the opening 122 is a part-circular upstanding centering flange 124 having an internal radius slightly greater than the external radius of the lower ring 92 on the basket 90. A U-shaped wall 126 extends upwardly from the plate 114 and supports at the upper end thereof a second centering flange 128 shaped like and having dimensions substantially the same as those of the centering flange 124. The upper edge of each of the centering flanges 124 and 128 is bevelled inwardly as at 130 to facilitate the centering of a basket 90 therein. As may be best seen from FIGURE 1 of the drawings the distance between the centering flanges 124 and 128 is such that these flanges contact the rings 92 and 102, respectively, of the basket 90. Both of the flanges have a circumferential extent greater than 180 whereby to guide and center the basket with respect to the carriage 112 and whereby also to guide the basket 90 as it is being lowered from the treating vessel 38 onto the carriage 112.

Preferably the carriage 112 is used both to unload a basket into the lower treating vessel 38 thereafter to be moved again to the right in FIGURE 1 whereby to permit a workman standing to the right in FIGURE 1 to unload the cones from the basket 90. In order to achieve the necessary transverse movement of the carriage 112, a hydraulic motor 130 has been provided having a piston rod 132 extending outwardly therefrom. The outer end of the piston rod 132 is connected to the carriage 112 by a pivotal connection 134. By expanding the hydraulic motor 130, the carriage is moved from the right hand position as viewed in FIGURE 1 beneath the treating vessel 32 to a position to the left and beneath the treating vessel 38. Upon contracting of the hydraulic motor 130, the carriage is moved again to the right or under the treating vessel 32. Suitable control mechanism is provided to control the operation of the motor 130 as will be described more fully hereafter.

Means is provided to move a basket 90 of cones 86 from the carriage 112 and thereafter upwardly into the treating vessel 32. More specifically, a hydraulic motor 136 has been provided (see FIGURE 12) which may be mounted beneath the support surface 24. Extending upwardly from the motor 136 is a piston rod 138 (see FIG- URE 1 also) carrying on the upper end thereof a support plate 140 (see FIGURE 7 also). Plate 140 is circular in shape and has a diameter less than the internal diameter of the lower ring 92 of .the basket 90 whereby it can fit therein as illustrated by the dashed lines in FIGURE 8 of the drawings. Upon expansion of the motor 136 the basket 90 positioned above the support plane 140 is contacted thereby, the support 140 passing through the opening 122 in the plate 114 of the carriage 112. As will be explained more fully later, the upward movement of the basket 90 on the support 140 is stopped at an intermediate position as illustrated in FIGURE 1 of the drawings. In this position the upper end of the basket 90 is contacted and supported by a guide plate 141 which is mounted on the frame 22. There is formed in the guide plate 141 an aperture having a size and shape to receive the basket 90 therethrough. The carriage 112 can now be moved laterally to the left to the position illustrated in FIG- URE 1 by actuation of the motor 130. The opening between the ends of the upper flange 128 on the carriage 112 is suflicient to permit the basket side plates 100 to go therethrough. The lower ring 92 of the basket 90 is raised above the centering flange 124 whereby to free the lower end of the basket from the carriage 112. Subsequent operation of the motor 136 raises the basket 90 to the full upward position as is fragmentarily illustrated in FIGURE 5 of the drawings. Suitable control mechanism is provided to control the operation of the motor 136 whereby after positioning a basket within the vessel 32, the piston 138 is retracted to the lower or rest position.

The cones while in the vessel 32 are first subjected to a reduced pressure or vacuum by exhausting most of the atmosphere from within the vessel 32. Thereafter the cones are treated with steam by injecting steam into the vessel 32. Accordingly, it is necessary that an airtight and fluidtight seal be provided for the vessel 32 after the basket 90 has been placed therein. Furthermore, after operation has been begun with the machine 20, the vessel 32 will have a partially treated set of cones mounted on a basket therein and it will be desirable to raise those partially treated cones into the upper vessel 34 or 36 which may at that time be positioned above the vessel 32. For this reason the diameter of the upper and lower rings 92 and 102 are the same so that a new basket being inserted into the lower vessel 32 will engage and push the basket therein upwardly into the upper treating vessel. The manner of engagement between an upper ring 102 and a lower ring 92 is illustrated in FIGURE 5 of the drawings.

After the baskets are in proper position within the vessel 32 and the vessel 36, for example, it is necessary to seal the vessels. This is accomplished by admitting air under pressure, for example at a pressure of 30 pounds per square inch above atmospheric, into the passages 62 whereby to inflate the seals 56 as is illustrated in FIGURE 5 of the drawings. It will be seen that this arrangement completely seals the volume of the vessels containing the cones to be treated. More specifically it will be noted that the rings 92 and 102 are imperforate around the periphery thereof and an imperforate plate is provided to close one end of each ring. Suitable control mechanism is pro'vided to inflate the seals at the proper time and thereafter to deflate the seals when desired. This control mechanism will be described in greater detail later.

Assuming that the vessels 32, 34, 36 and '38 all have a basket of cones therein under treatment, it is next necessary to remove the basket from the vessel 38 and simultaneously to move the basket of cones in the vessel above vessel 38 downwardly and into the vessel 38. To this end another hydraulic motor 142 is provided (see FIGURE 12), the motor 142 being positioned below the support surface 24. The motor 142 is provided with the usual piston and has a piston rod 144 extending therefrom and carrying a support plate 146 (see FIGURES 1 and 7 also). When it is desired to unload the basket from the vessel 38, the motor 142 is expanded to bring the support plate 146 into contact with the bottom of the basket in the vessel 38. The seals of the vessel 38 and the seal of the vessel above the vessel 38 are then deflated. Subsequent contraction of the motor 142 serves to lower the baskets, the upper basket being supported by the lower basket, until the lower basket is positioned above the carriage 112 and the upper basket is in position to be contacted by the seals of the vessel 38.

In order to continue the cycle of treatment, it is next necessary to shift the empty vessel 36 from its position above the vessel 38 to a position above the vessel 32. To this end mechanism is provided to lift the upper vessels 34 and 36 upwardly from the position illustrated in FIGURE 5 of the drawings to that illustrated in FIGURE 4. More specifically, it is necessary to remove the pins 70 out of the bores 68. This mo'vement of the upper vessels is accomplished by means of a pair of hydraulic motors 148 which are mounted upon a subframe 150 which is supported from the transverse frame members 28. Each of the hydraulic motors 148 has extending outwardly therefrom a piston rod 152 which bears against a transverse movable support plate 154. The entire assembly of the upper vessels 34 and 36 is mounted upon the support plate 154. More specifically, the common flange 46a of the seals 66 and 80 serves to interconnect the vessels 34 and 36. A cross member 156 also serves to interconnect the vessels 134 and 136 adjacent the upper ends thereof. Secured to the common flange and the cross member 156 is a vertical shaft 158. The lower end of the shaft 158 is supported by a thrust bearing 16% mounted on the support plate 154. A further bearing 162 is provided above the thrust bearing 160 to give lateral support to the shaft 158. More particularly a sleeve 163 is provided about the shaft 158 and is fixedly mounted on the frame 22. The bearing 162 is positioned within the sleeve 163 to give a good bearing support for the shaft 158. Accordingly, it will be seen that upward movement of the support plate 154 by the expansion of the motors 148 will serve to lift the entire assembly of the upper treating vessels 34 and 36 upwardly.

After the upper treating vessels 34 and 36 have been moved upwardly and disengaged from the lower treating vessels 32 and 38, it is desired to rotate the vessels about the shaft 158 to exchange the positions thereof with respect to the lower treating vessels. To this end a gear 164 is mounted on the shaft 158. A rack 166 is provided to drive the gear 164. To obtain the desired movement of the rack 166 a hydraulic motor 168 of the expansioncontraction type has been provided, the motor 168 being mounted on the frame 22 (see particularly FIGURES 1 and 6 of the drawings). The piston rod 170 of the motor 168 extends outwardly therefrom and is pivotally attached to the adjacent end of the rack 166. The rack 166 drives a gear 172 which is in engagement with the gear 164 mounted on the shaft 158. The vertical extent of the gear 172 is such that it will remain in engagement with the teeth on the rack 166 at all times and in all positions of the treating vessels 34 and 36.

Although the upper vessels 34 and 36 are insulated, there is a condensation of steam therein. In order to collect the condensate when the vessels 34 and 36 are shifted, a drip pan 173 has been provided (see particularly FIGURE 6 of the drawings). The drip pan 173 may be provided with a drain (not shown) to remove collected condensate therefrom.

In treating cones of yarn using the machine 20, the carriage 112 carrying a basket 90 filled with processed cones is first moved to the right hand position as viewed in FIGURES l and 12 of the drawings. The hydraulic motor 136 is then actuated to lift the basket 90 clear of the carriage 112 and the carriage 112 is moved to the left hand position illustrated in FIGURE 1 in a manner that has been explained above. The processed cones are then removed from the basket 90 and unprocessed co'nes placed therein. After a suitable time interval the hydraulic motor 136 is again actuated to cause expansion thereof and the basket 90 loaded with unprocessed cones is moved upwardly into the treating vessel 32. When the motor 136 has reached the upper end of its stroke of movement, the seals 42 and 44 on the vessel 32 are closed by admitting air under pressure through the passage 62. The vessel 32 is now airtight since the inflatable sea] members 56 firmly grip and engage the lower and upper rings 92 and 102 of the basket 90.

It is to be understood that after the machine 2 3 has been in operation for a full cycle, there will already have been a loaded basket in the chamber 32. The insertion of the new basket in the chamber 32 will move the basket of partially treated cones upwardly into the upper chamber in alignment therewith.

After closing the seals of the vessel 32, the vessel 32 is evacuated through a line 174 which connects with the casing 40 of the vessel 32. After a suitable period of evacuation, the connection to the vacuum source is interrupted and a connection is made to a source of steam through the line 174.

After having been treated by steam in the vessel 32 (and after the proper sequence of operations to be described more fully hereafter), the partially treated cones in the vessel 32 are moved upwardly into an empty upper vessel in alignment with the vessel 32. Assuming that the vessel 34 is in alignment with the vessel 32, a new basket of untreated cones is loaded on the support and positioned beneath the vessel 32. The carriage is moved upwardly until it is in contact with the bottom of the basket in the vessel 32. The seals on the vessels 32 and 34 are then released and upward movement of the support 140 is continued until the baskets are properly positioned within the treating vessels 32 and 34. The seals of the vessels 32 and 34 are then inflated whereby to seal the vessels after which the motor 136 is contracted.

The vessel 34 was filled with steam at atmospheric pressure and the partially treated cones in the vessel 34 are now further treated. Steam is admitted under pressure into the vessel 34 by means of a line 176 connected through a rotary seal 178 at the upper end of the shaft 158 (see FIGURE 1). This serves further to force moisture into the inner layers of yam on the cone.

After a suitable period of treatment, the upper vessels 34 and 36 are lifted upwardly by actuating the motors 148. The motor 168 is then activated to rotate the upper vessel assembly about the axis of the shaft 158 whereby to position the vessel 34 above the vessel 38. After the vessels are in the approximate proper position, the motors 148 are contracted and the pins 70 settle into the bores 68 finally to position the vessel with respect to each other. Impregnation of the cones with moisture continues while the vessel 34 is above the vessel 38. After a suitable period of treatment and while the vessel 34 is above the vessel 38, the motor 142 is expanded to bring the support 146 into contact with the bottom of the basket in the vessel 38 (positioned there during a preceding cycle of operation). The seals in the vessels 34 and 38 are then released and the motor 142 contracted. This will drop the basket from the vessel 34 into the vessel 38. Before the support 146 reaches the lowermost position, the seals in the vessel 38 are again inflated whereby to hold the basket within the vessel 38. The vessel 38 is then evacuated through a line 180 until the desired moisture content of the cones has been reached.

The carriage 112 is beneath the vessel 38 and in posi tion to receive the basket within the vessel 38. Substantially simultaneously with contact between the support plate 146 and the bottom of the basket 90, the seals in the vessels 38 are released and thereafter the motor 142 is contracted as explained above to remove the fully processed cones from the vessel 38. When the motor 142 has been fully contracted, the basket 90 rests upon the carriage 112. The carriage 112 is then moved to the discharge and load position by contracting the motor 130. This moves the carriage 112 to the right as viewed in FIGURE 1 whereby to permit the basket of fully processed cones to be removed therefrom by expanding the motor 136 to the position illustrated in FIGURE 1. This completes a cycle of operation for one set of cones.

It has been found that there is substantial condensation of steam in the vessels 32, 34 and 36 due to the heat loss therefrom. In an effort to minimize the heat loss from these vessels, each is provided with suitable insulation as at 182. Even with substantial insulation provided on the vessels, there still is some condensation of steam as a result of the heating of the baskets and the cones therein. This condensation is most troublesome if it is released from the vessel above the vessel 38 immediately prior to withdrawal of the fully processed cones from the vessel 38. Accordingly, means is provided to remove the condensation by providing an outlet passage 184- (see FIGURE 5) in the upper flange 52 of the seal 86 for the vessel 38. Moisture from condensation can therefore be drained from the upper vessel by opening the seal therefor shortly before opening the seal 86 of the vessel 38.

There is shown in FIGURES 11 and 12 of the drawings a control circuit which permits substantially automatic operation of the machine 20 to provide the cycle of operation described. Vacuum is provided through a line 190 (see FIGURE 12) which is connected to a suitable source of reduced pressure. The vacuum line 190 is connected through a two-way solenoid valve 192 and a line 194 to the line 176 connected with the interior of the treating vessel 34. A similar connection is made through a two-way solenoid valve 196 and the line 198 to the interior of the treating vessel 36. Vacuum is provided for the line 174 leading to the vessel 32 through a twoway solenoid valve 200 connected to the main vacuum line 190. The vacuum line 180 connected with the treating vessel 38 is also provided with a two-way solenoid valve 202 that connects through a line 204 to the source of vacuum. By the above connections vacuum can be applied to each of the four reacting vessels.

Steam for use in the various treating vessels is derived from a main steam line 206 which is connected to a suitable source of steam under pressure. Steam for the treating vessel 32 is obtained from the main line 206 through a three-way solenoid valve 208 disposed between the line 206 and the line 174. Steam for the upper treating vessels 34 and 36 is provided through three-way solenoid valves 210 and 212, respectively, which are connected to the lines leading to those treating vessels.

The various hydraulic motors are operated preferably by air according to the present invention although it is to be understood that some other suitable motive fluid could be used. A first high pressure air supply 214 is provided at a pressure of 60 pounds per square inch. This supply drives all of the hydraulic motors. More specifically the hydraulic motor 136 is connected to the high pressure air line 214 through a two-way solenoid valve 216. A second two-way solenoid valve 218 is provided selectively to exhaust the pressure within the motor 136. The motor 142 is similarly connected to the main high pressure line 214 through a two-way solenoid valve 220. A second two-way solenoid valve 222 is provided to release the pressure within the motor 142 in a controlled manner.

The lifting motors 148 which are used to raise and lower the upper treating vessels 34 and 36 are also connected to the high pressure air line 214 through a threeway solenoid control valve 224. The turning of the upper treating vessel assembly once raised is accomplished by means of the motor 168 discussed above. The motor 168 is positively controlled by two three-way solenoid valves 226 and 228 which are connected on one side to the high pressure air line 214 and on the other to opposite ends of the cylinder for the motor 168.

The carriage 112 is also moved by pressure from the high pressure air line 214, the air being used to drive the motor 130. A pair of three-way solenoid valves 230 and 232 is connected to the high pressure air line 214 and to opposite ends of the cylinder for the motor 130 whereby to give positive control for the motor.

A second low pressure air supply is provided to control the various seals. The low pressure main supply line has been designated by the numeral 234 and is preferably connected to a-source of air having a pressure of about 30 pounds per square inch. The lower seal 42 of the vessel 32 is controlled and operated by means of a three-way solenoid valve 236 connected between the low pressure line 234 and the passage 62 described above. A similar connection to control the upper seal 44 of the vessel 32 is provided in the form of a three-way solenoid valve 238 interconnecting the line 234 and the seal 44.

The lower seals 66 and 80 of the vessels 34 and 36, respectively, are controlled by a pair of three-way solenoid valves 240 and 242, respectively. The valves 240 and 242 make connection through a rotary seal 244 (see FIGURES l, 2 and 3 also). The seals 84 and 86 of the treating vessel 38 are both controlled through a single three-way solenoid valve 246. The valve 746 is connected on one side to the main low pressure supply line 234 and on the other to each of the seals 84 and 86.

The various valves described above are preferably controlled automatically by means of an electrical circuit including a plurality of switches, the necessary number of switches being provided for each valve. Certain of the switches in turn are controlled by the movement of the pistons 138 and 144 of the motors 136 and 142, respectively. The remaining switches are controlled by a timer positioned within a control box 248 mounted on the frame 22 (see FIGURE 1, particularly). Refern'ng now to FIGURE 11 of the drawings there is shown schematically the various switches which control certain of the valves described above in order to obtain automatic operation of the machine 20. Referring first to the piston rod 138, it will be seen that this piston rod has been provided with a laterally extending member 250 which carries on the end thereof a hollow guide member 252. The guide member 252 receives therethrough and runs along an upstanding guide post 254, the guide member 252 being provided with rollers 256 contacting opposite sides of the post 254. A switch actuating cam 258 is also mounted on the guide 252.

Positioned adjacent to the switch actuating cam 254 at a point slightly above the lowermost rest position thereof is a switch 260 which is connected by suitable electrical connections (not shown) to vent the vessels 32 and 34 through the three-way valves 210 and 212, respectively. Upward movement of the piston rod 138 therefore will automatically vent the vessels 32 and 34 by actuation of the switch 260.

A second switch 262 is provided above the switch 260 and is operative when actuated in the upward direction to open the seals 42 and 44. Positioned above the switch 262 is yet another switch 264 which is operative when actuated to close the seals 42 and 44 by admitting pressure through the three-way solenoid valves 236 and 238, respectively.

Means is provided to hold the piston 138 and the support 140 in an intermediate upper position while the seals 42, 44 and 66 or are being opened, that position being illustrated in FIGURE 1 of the drawings. To this end the member 250 attached to the rod 138 is provided with a cam roller 266. Positioned in the path of the roller 266 is an arm 268 pivoted at 270. The arm 268 has a cam surface 272 terminating in a hook 274. The cam roller 266 during the initial portion of the upward movement of the piston rod 138 rolls along the cam surface 272 until it hits the hook 274. Contact of the roller 266 and the hook 274 stops upward movement of the piston rod 138 even though the air pressure is still applied to the motor 136. In order to release the piston rod 138 for continued upward movement, it is necessary to pivot the arm 268 clockwise as viewed in FIGURE 11. Arm 268 is provided with an extension 276 which is pivotally connected to the movable core 278 of a solenoid 280. The solenoid 280 is controlled by a switch and cam at the timer mechanism to be described later. At the proper time, the solenoid 280 is energized whereby to pivot the arm 268 clockwise out of engagement with the cam roller 266. This permits continued upward movement of the piston rod 138. A spring 282 normally holds the arm 268 in a posi tion to engage the roller 266. When the member 250 approaches the arm 272 from above, the roller 266 contacts another cam surface 284 which is useful to cam the arm 268 clockwise against the action of the spring 282 to permit relative downward movement of the member 250.

The piston rod 144 is provided with an extension member 286 similar to the member 250 mounted on the piston rod 138. The outer end of the member 286 also carries a guide member 288 which has an opening therethrough to receive a post 290 therethrough. A pair of rollers 292 and 294 contacts opposite sides of the post 290. A switch actuating cam 296 extends outwardly laterally from the guide member 288.

Disposed opposite the lowermost position of the cam member 296 is a switch 298 having an actuating arm in position to be contacted by the cam 296. The switch 298 is connected in circuit with the two-way solenoid valve 202 whereby to apply vacuum to the vessel 38 when the switch 298 is actuated. Positioned above the switch 298 is another switch 300 which is adapted also to be actuated by the cam 296. The switch 300 is connected to close the solenoid 202 whereby to remove the vacuum from the vessel 38 and also to move to the exhaust position the valve 210 or 212, as the case may be, according to which of the vessels 34 or 36 is above the vessel 38. The switch 300 also is connected to the threeway solenoid valve 242 to move it to the exhaust position simultaneously with the movement of the valve 210 or 212 to the exhaust position whereby to open the seal 66 or 80 as the case may be. This permits any condensate in the vessel above the vessel 38 to be drained through the passage 184.

Mounted above the switch 300 is another switch 302 which is mounted in a. position to be contacted by the switch operator cam 296. The switch 302 is connected to the three-way solenoid valve 246 in such a manner that it moves the valve 246 to the pressure applying position when the cam 296 contacts the switch 202 in a downward movement only. This applies pressure to the seals 84 and 86 whereby to close these seals.

A fourth switch 304 is mounted in position to be contacted by the switch actuator cam 296 at the upper limit of travel of the piston rod 144. The switch 304 is connected to the solenoid valve 246 in a manner such that it exhausts the valve 246 when actuated whereby to open the seals 84 and 86.

At one portion of the operating cycle it is necessary to drop the basket in the vessel above the vessel 38 into the vessel 38 after which the seals 84 and 86 must be closed before the piston rod 144 is further lowered. In order to insure that the basket is in proper position within the vessel 38 it is desirable to stop the downward movement of the piston 144 at the proper position without closing the exhaust valve 222. To this end an arm 306 is pivoted as at 308 adjacent the path of travel of the member 286. The member 286 has a roller 310 thereon which is adapt ed to engage a notch 312 in the upper end of the arm 306. Engagement of the roller 310 in the notch 312 stops the downward movement of the piston rod 144 and the basket supported thereby. After the seals 84 and 86 have been closed it is desirable to disengage the arm 306 by rotating it in a counter-clockwise direction. To this end a lever 314 has been provided thereon, the lever 314 being pivotally connected to the movable core 316 of a solenoid 318. The solenoid 318 when energized is effective to rotate the arm 306 in a counter-clockwise direction whereby to release the piston rod 144 for continued downward movement.

Referring now to FIGURE of the drawings, there will be described the cam actuated switches which operate the remaining solenoids in the proper timed relationship to obtain fully automatic operation of the machine 20. A timer motor 320 is provided within the housing 248 and has connection to a suitable source of electrical power controlled by a switch 322, the actuator for the switch 322 being mounted in a position for ready access on the outside of the control box 248 (see FIGURE 1, also). Extending outwardly from the timer motor 320 is a cam shaft 324 which is driven by the motor 320 at a predetermined rate. Mounted on the cam shaft 324 is a plurality of cams which are shaped so that they actuate associated switches at the proper time and in the proper manner to obtain the desired operation of the associated solenoids.

More specifically, there is mounted on the shaft 324 a first cam 326 which cooperates with a switch 328. The switch 328 includes a movable contact 330 which can be moved into connection with a contact 332 or into connection with a contact 334. The contact 332 when connected to the movable arm 330 serves to energize the solenoid 216 whereby to apply air pressure to the motor 136.

This serves to raise the piston 138 (see FIGURE 12. also). When the switch arm 330 is in connection with the contact 334, the exhaust solenoid 218 is actuated whereby to vent the cylinder of the motor 136 to atmosphere. It will be seen therefore that by proper configuration of the cam 326, the desired movement of the piston rod 138 and associated parts can be readily obtained.

Another cam 336 is provided on the shaft 324 to operate a switch 338 which is connected to control the solenoid valve 200 which applies vacuum to the vessel 32. Upon closure of the switch 238, suitable vacuum is applied to the vessel 32.

The admission of steam to the vessel 32 is controlled by a cam 340 which is associated with a switch 342 connected in series with the solenoid valve 208. Closure of the switch 342 serves to move the solenoid valve 208 to a position to admit steam into the vessel 32.

Operation of the seal 66 on the vessel 34 is controlled by a cam 334 in cooperation with a switch 346 which is in circuit with the three-way solenoid valve 240. When the movable switch contact is in the lower position the valve 240 is in a position to vent the line to atmosphere. When the movable switch arm is in the upper position, pressure is applied to the seal 66 to close it.

The vacuum and steam supply to the upper vessels 34 and 36 is controlled by a cam 348. The cam 348 cooperates with a firsit switch 350 which is connected to control the operation of the solenoid valves 212 and 196. The upper switch contact 352 is in circuit with the solenoid valve 212 and when contacted by the movable switch arm serves to position the valve 212 to admit steam into the vessel 36. The lower switch contact 354 is connected to control the vacuum valve 196 and when contacted by the movable switch arm applies vacuum to the vessel 36. A switch 356 similar to the switch 350 described above is provided to control the vacuum and steam to the vessel 34. The upper switch contact 358 is connected to control the three-way steam solenoid valve 210 and when contacted by the movable switch contact serves to position the valve 210 to apply steam to the vessel 34. The lower switch contact 360 is connected to the vacuum valve 192 and when contacted serves to apply vacuum to the vessel 34.

The movement of the hydraulic motor 142 is controlled by a cam 362 in cooperation with a double pole switch 364. The upper switch contact 366 is in circuit with the solenoid valve 220 and when in contact with the movable switch contact serves to apply pressure to operate the motor 142. The lower switch contact 368 is connected in circuit with the solenoid valve 222 and when contacted by the movable contact serves to vent the cylinder of the motor 142 to the atmosphere.

The seal on the vessel 36 is controlled by a cam 370 in cooperation with a switch 372. The switch 372 is in circuit with the solenoid 242 and is effective when closed to connect pressure to the seal 80.

The movement of the carriage 112 is controlled by a cam 374 in cooperation with a pair of switches 376 and 378. The switch 376 is connected to control the solenoid valve 232. The switch 378 similarly controls the solenoid 230.

The raising of the vessels 34 and 36 to permit rotation thereof is controlled by a cam 382 having a cooperating switch 384. The switch 384 is in circuit with the solenoid valve 224. Movement of the movable switch contact downwardly to contact the lower switch contact moves the valve 224 to a position to admit air into the motors 148. Reverse movement of the movable switch contact shifts the valve 224 to the exhaust position. Subsequent movement of the upper vessels 34 and 36 is controlled by the cam 386. The cam 386 has a pair of switches 385 and 390 which control the solenoid valves 226 and 228, respectively. Movement of the center or movable contact outwardly away from the cam serves to shift the valves to a position to admit air therethrough and move- 13 ment in the opposite direction to contact the inner switch contact serves to exhaust the valves to the atmosphere.

The operation of the solenoid 280 at the proper time is achieved by means of a cam 392 in cooperation with a switch 394 connected in series with the coil of the solenoid 280. Closure of the switch 394 serves to energize the solenoid 280. The solenoid 318 controlling the downward movement of the piston rod 144 is controlled from a cam 396. There is mounted adjacent to the cam 396 a switch 398 which is in series with the coil of the solenoid 318 and which when closed serves to energize the solenoid 318.

A complete cycle of operation of the machine 20 and a description of the automatic control thereof will now be given. Assuming that the machine 20 has been operated for a period of time, the parts are in the following positions at the beginning of a cycle. A basket 90 is in position on the support 140 and is raised to the position illustrated in FIGURE 1 of the drawings so that the upper end thereof is in contact with the guide 141. The carriage 112 is to the left and in position beneath the vessel 38. The vessel 32 has a basket 90 therein and is filled with steam and is near the end of the steam cycle therein. The seals 42 and 44 of the vessel 32 are closed to maintain the steam pressure therein. The vessel 34 does not have a basket of cones therein but has been previously evacuated and filled with steam at least to atmospheric pressure. The seal 66 is open. The vessel 36 has a basket of partially processed cones therein and is filled with steam above atmospheric pressure, the seal 80 thereof being closed to maintain the pressure therein. The vessel 38 contains a basket of cones which are nearly completely processed. The seals of the vessel 38 are closed and the vessel 38 is evacuated whereby to reduce the moisture of the cones therein. The various solenoids are in the required position to obtain the conditions described above.

The motor 136 is next actuated by means of the switch 328 being engaged by the cam 326 and the basket 90 beneath the vessel 32 starts moving upwardly. The cam 258 connected to the piston rod 138 contacts the switch 260 whereby to vent the steam from the vessels 32 and 34 by moving the three-way solenoid valves 208 and 210 to the exhaust position. Continued upward movement of the basket 90 places the upper end thereof against the lower end of the basket within the vessel 32. Substantially simultaneously with the contact between the two baskets, the cam 258 closes the switch 252 whereby to begin opening of the seals 42 and 44 by moving the threeway solenoid valves 236 and 238 to the exhaust positions. The roller 266 also engages the hook 274 whereby to halt upward movement of the parts. The parts are held in this position while the seals are completely opened. Thereafter the cam 392 actuates the switch 394 whereby to energize the solenoid 280. This rotates the latch arm 272 in a clockwise position and trees the piston rod 138 for continued upward movement.

The basket which was formerly in the vessel 32 is moved upwardly into the vessel 34 and the basket on the support 140 is moved into the vessel 32. Because the cones fill substantially all the space in the vessels 32 and 34, there is a of contamination of the atmosphere therein with air from without. The seal provided by the O-ring 64 makes the vessels 32 and 34 substantially a unitary chamber during this movement. Since the upper basket tends to displace steam in the vessel 34, steam is pushed outwardly from the bottom of the vessel 32 and tends to purge any air which attempts to enter therethrough.

At the end of the upper travel of the piston rod 138, the two baskets 90 are properly positioned within the vessels 32 and 34. The cam 258 now engages the switch 264 whereby to move the solenoids 236 and 238 to the pressure applying position. The seals 42 and 46 are therefore closed. In addition the seal 66 is closed due to the cam 344 moving the switch 346 to the upper position whereby to apply pressure to the seal 66.

Next the motor 142 is actuated whereby to move the piston 144 upwardly. The cam 296 attached to the piston rod 144 soon contacts the switch 300. Closing of the switch 300 turns off the vacuum to the vessel 38 by closing the solenoid valve 202. The switch 300 also vents the steam from the vessel 36 by moving the solenoid valve 212 to the exhaust position. In addition the switch 300 opens the seal by moving the solenoid valve 242 to the exhaust position. This permits any condensate Within the vessel 30 to drain outwardly through the passage 184 in the seal 86 (see FIGURE 5 of the drawings).

Continued upward movement of the piston rod 144 brings cam 296 into contact with the switch 302. At the end of the upward movement of the piston rod 144, the cam 296 contacts the switch 304. The switch 304 upon being actuated moves the solenoid valve 246 to the exhaust position whereby to open the seals 84 and 86. At this time the support 146 is in contact with the lower end of the basket in the vessel 38. The basket in the vessel 36 is resting on the upper end in the basket of the vessel 38.

The motor 142 is now contracted whereby to lower the piston rod 144, this being accomplished by opening the exhaust solenoid valve 222 by moving the switch 364 to the lower position utilizing the cam 362. When the piston rod 142 is in a position such that the roller 310 contacts the notch 312, the downward movement of the shaft 144 is halted. Simultaneously therewith, the switch 302 is activated whereby to move the solenoid valve 246 to the pressure applying position. This closes the seals 84 and 86 about the basket which formerly was in the vessel 36. As soon as the seals are fully closed, the solenoid 318 is energized by means of the cam 396 closing the switch 398. This serves to pivot the latch arm 306 in a counter-clockwise direction to free the piston rod 144 for continued downward movement. Near the end of the downward movement of the piston rod 144, the basket 90 supported thereby and containing fully processed cones is deposited upon the carriage 112. As the piston rod 144 reaches the lowermost position thereof, the cam 296 closes the switch 298 which applies the vacuum to the vessel 38 by opening the two-way solenoid valve 202.

The carriage 112 is now moved to the right carrying the basket of processed cones. This is accomplished by means of the motor under control of the solenoid valves 230 and 232 which are in turn under the control of the cam 374 operating the switches 376 and 378. When the carriage 112 reaches the right hand position, the motor 136 is immediately actuated to raise the sup port 130 and the basket 90 on the carriage 112 to the position illustrated in FIGURE 1 of the drawings. The carriage 112 is immediately returned to the left hand position by means of the motor 130.

A workman now unloads the processed cones and replaces them with unprocessed cones.

During the shifting of the processed cones on the carriage 112, the positions of the vessels 34 and 36 have been reversed. First the motors 148 are actuated by applying pressure through the solenoid valve 224. The solenoid valve 224 is actuated by means of the cam 382 operating the switch 384. This serves to raise the vessels 34 and 36 upwardly to disengage the pins 70 from the bores 68. Next the motor 168 is actuated to move the rack 166 which serves to turn the shaft 158 about its axis. This will place the vessel 36 above the vessel 32 and simultaneously will place the vessel 34 above the vessel 38. The vessels 34 and 36 are then lowered by moving the solenoid valve 224 to the exhaust position. The downward movement of the vessel 36 serves to seal that vessel from the atmosphere due to the presence of the O-ring 64.

It is to be noted that the partially processed cones in the vessel 34 are being subjected to steam treatment during this shifting of the vessels 34 and 36. As soon as the vessel 36 is seated upon the O-n'ng 64, the evacuation thereof is begun by opening the solenoid valve 196. This is accomplished by means of the cam 348 and the switch 350. When the atmosphere within the vessel 36 has been reduced to a predetermined pressure, steam is admitted to the vessel 36 by moving the solenoid valve 212 to the on position. This likewise is accomplished by means of the cam 348 actuating the switch 350. When the steam pressure within the vessel 36 has reached the desired value, the steam pressure is removed therefrom. The vessel 36 is now in condition to receive partially processed cones from the vessel 32.

The above is a description of a complete cycle of operation for all parts except the vessels 34 and 36 and associated parts. During the succeeding cycle of operation the roles of the vessels 34 and 36 are reversed. Accordingly, a full cycle of operation of all parts will actually comprise two of the cycles described. It is for this reason that the cams in FIGURE are shaped as they are with certain cams being arranged for double actuation of the associated switches during one revolution of the cam shaft 324.

From the above description it will be seen that the operation of the machine 20 is completely automatic once the electrical circuits are energized by actuating the switch 322. Only four baskets 90 are required and the four baskets are continually recycled. The processed cones are removed when the parts are in the position illustrated in FIGURE 1 and unprocessed cones inserted in their place. The loading and unloading are the only manual portions of the operation of the machine 20. All other operations are fully automatic. It is to be understood that the shapes ofcontro-l cams of FIGURE 10 can be varied in order to achieve the appropriate period of treatment both as to vacuum and steam as required.

It will be seen that there has been provided a machine for setting the twist in yarn by subjecting the twist yarn to steam under controlled conditions whereby to condition the yarn. Although one preferred form of the invention has been shown in the drawings and described for purposes of illustration, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only as set forth in the following claims.

We claim:

1. A machine for conditioning cones of yarn comprising a first casing open at both ends and provided with seals at said ends, a vacuum outlet and a steam inlet for said first casing, a second casing closed at one end and having a seal at the other end, a steam inlet for said second casing, a third casing open at both ends and having seals at both ends, a vacuum outlet for said third casing, means mounting said second casing for movement, means to shift said second casing into alignment with said first casing to elfect transfer of cones therebetween and to shift said second casing into alignment with said third casing to effect transfer of cones therebetween, and means to move cones from said first casing to said second casing and to said third casing and from said third casing.

2. A machine for conditioning cones of yarn comprising a first casing open at both ends and provided with seals at said ends, a vacuum outlet and a steam inlet for said first casing, a second casing closed at one end and having a seal at the other end, a steam inlet for said second casing, a third casing open at both ends and having seals at both ends, a vacuum outlet for said third casing, means mounting said second casing for movement, means to shift said second easing into alignment with said first casing to effect transfer of cones therebetween and to shift said second casing into alignment with said third casing to efiect transfer of cones therebetween, sealing means between the adjacent ends of said first casing and said second casing and said second casing and said third casing to make aligned casings one vessel during transfer of cones therebetween, and means to move cones from said first casing to said second casing and to said third casing and from said third casing.

3. A machine for conditioning cones of yarn comprising a first casing open at both ends and provided with seals at said ends, a vacuum outlet and a steam inlet for said first casing, a second casing closed at one end and having a seal at the other end, a steam inlet for said second casing, a third casing open at both ends and having seals at both ends, a vacuum outlet for said third casing, means mounting said second casing for movement, means to shift said second easing into alignment with said first casing to eifect transfer of cones therebetween and to shift said second casing into alignment with said third casing to efiect transfer of cones therebetween, means to evacuate said second casing and to vent it with steam after alignment of said second casing with said first casing and before movement of cones from said first casing to said second casing, and means to move cones from said first casing to said second casing and to said third casing and from said third casing.

4. A machine for conditioning cones of yarn comprising a first stationary casing having a vacuum outlet to evacuate air from cones therein and a steam inlet to apply steam under pressure to cones therein, a second stationary casing positioned adjacent said first stationary casing and having a vacuum outlet to subject cones therein to a vacuum to reduce the water content to a predetermined level, a pair of third casings mounted for movement above said first and second casings and adapted to be aligned therewith, each of said third casings having a steam inlet to treat cones therein with steam under pressure, means to shift either of said third casings from a position above said first casing to a position above said second casing, and means to move cones from said first casing into one of said third casings and from said one third casing into said second casing.

5. A machine for conditioning cones of yarn comprising a first stationary casing having a vacuum outlet to evacuate air from cones therein and a steam inlet to apply steam under pressure to cones therein, a second stationary casing positioned adjacent to said first stationary casing and having a vacuum outlet to subject cones therein to a vacuum to reduce the water content to a predetermined level, a pair of third casings mounted for movement above said first and second casings and adapted to be aligned therewith, each of said third casings having a steam inlet to treat cones therein with steam under pressure, means interconnecting said third casings for movement as a unit, interlocking means between said third casings and said first and second casings, lifting means to lift said third casings out of contact with said first and second casings and to unlock said locking means, turning mechanism to turn said third casings whereby to shift the positions thereof with respect to said first and second casings, and means to move cones from said first casing into the aligned one of said third casings and into said second casing from the aligned one of said third casings.

6. A machine for conditioning cones of yarn comprising a first stationary vertically extending casing having a vacuum outlet to evacuate air from cones therein and a steam inlet to apply steam under pressure to cones therein, a second stationary vertically extending casing positioned adjacent to said first stationary vertically extending casing and having a vacuum outlet to subject cones therein to a vacuum to reduce the water content to a predetermined level, a pair of vertically extending third casings mounted for movement above said first and second casings and adapted to be aligned therewith, each of said third casings having a steam inlet to treat cones therein with steam under pressure, means interconnecting said third casings for movement as a unit, interlocking means between said third casings and said first and second casings, lifting means to lift said third casings out of contact with said first and second casings and to unlock said locking means, turning mechanism to turn said third casings whereby to shift the positions thereof with re spect to said first and second casings, a first vertically shiftable support positioned beneath said first casing to move cones into said first casing and into the aligned one of said third casings, and a second vertically shiftable support positioned below said second casing to remove cones from said second casing and the aligned one of said third casings.

7. A machine for conditioning cones of yarn comprising a first stationary vertically extending casing open at both ends and having a vacuum outlet and a steam inlet, a basket to hold the cones and having a pair of imperforate ends, an inflatable seal at each end of said first casing to cooperate with an associated end of said basket, said first casing being completely sealed when said seals are in engagement with the ends of said basket, a second stationary vertically extending casing open at both ends and positioned adjacent to said first casing and having a vacuum outlet, an inflatable seal provided at each end of said second casing cooperable with the ends of said basket to seal said casing, a pair of interconnected and vertically extending third casings mounted for movement above said first and second casings and adapted to be aligned therewith, each of said third casings being closed at the upper end thereof and open at the lower end thereof, a seal provided at the lower end of each of said third casings to cooperate with an end of said basket to seal said third casing, a vacuum outlet and a steam inlet for each of said third casings, means to shift either of said third casings from a position above said first casing to a position above said second casing, and means to move said basket from said first casing to one of said third casings and from said one third easing into said second casing.

8. A machine for conditioning cones of yarn compris ing a first stationary vertically extending casing open at both ends and having a vacuum outlet and a steam inlet, a basket to hold the cones and having a pair of imperforate ends, an inflatable seal at each end of said first casing to cooperate with an associated end of said basket, said first casing being completely sealed when said seals are in engagement with the ends of said basket, a second stationary vertically extending casing open at both ends and positioned adjacent to said first casing and having a vacuum outlet, an inflatable seal provided at each end of said second casing cooperable with the ends of said basket to seal said casing, a pair of interconnected and vertically extending third casings mounted for movement above said first and second casings and adapted to be aligned therewith, each of said third casings being closed at the upper end thereof and open at the lower end thereof, a seal provided at the lower end of each of said third casings to cooperate with an end of said basket to seal said third casing, a vacuum outlet and a steam inlet for each of said third casings, means to shift said third casings from a position above said first casing to a position above said second casing, a first vertically movable support positioned beneath said first casing and shiftable with respect thereto to move said basket into said first casing and to move said basket from said first casing into an aligned third casing, and a second vertically movable support positioned beneath said second casing and shiftable with respect thereto to move said basket from an aligned third casing into said second casing and out of said second casing.

9. The combination set forth in claim 7 wherein said seal vertically supports said basket.

10. The combination set forth in claim 7 wherein one of said ends of said basket provides a bulkhead between aligned casings.

11. A machine for conditioning packages of yarn, comprising a plurality of vertically extending casings mounted for successive movement into position above and in alignment with a loading station for receiving packages of yarn, each of said casings having an outlet for withdrawing vapors therefrom and each of said casings having a steam inlet for receiving steam therethrough to apply steam under pressure to the packages of yarn therein for treatment thereof, an inflatable seal on each of said casings for sealing said casing during treatment of the packages of yarn therein, rotating means for successively moving each of said casings to said aligned position over the loading station, and conveying means for transferring packages of yarn from the loading station into said casings.

12. A machine for conditioning packages of yarn, comprising a first casing, a first vacuum outlet in said first casing for withdrawing air therefrom to remove the residual air from packages of yarn contained therein, a first steam inlet in said first casing for receiving steam therethrough to apply steam under pressure to the packages of yarn therein for treatment thereof, second casing means, a second steam inlet in said second casing means for receiving steam therethrough to apply steam under pressure to packages of yarn therein for further treatment thereof, a third casing, a second vacuum outlet in said third casing for withdrawing vapor therefrom to reduce the moisture content of packages of yarn therein to a predetermined level to finish the treatment of the packages of yarn, a sequencing device for controlling the program of operations of said machine, a first sealing means on said first casing operatively responsive to said device for sealing said first casing during the treatment of the packages of yarn therein and for unsealing said first casing to admit and discharge the packages of yarn therefrom, a second sealing means on said second casing means operatively responsive to said device for sealing said second casing means during the treatment of the packages of yarn therein and for unsealing said second casing means to admit and discharge the packages of yarn therefrom, a third sealing means operatively responsive to said device for interconnecting said first casing and said second casing means to preserve the environment therein during movement of the packages of yarn from said first casing to said second casing means, a fourth sealing means on said third casing operatively responsive to said device for sealing said third casing during the treatment of the packages of yarn therein and for unsealing said third casing to admit and discharge packages of yarn therefrom, a fifth sealing means operatively responsive to said device for interconnecting said second casing means and said third casing to preserve the environment therein during movement of the packages of yarn from said second casing means to said third casing, and conveying means operatively responsive to said device for moving the packages of yarn into said first casing and thereafter into said second casing means and thereafter into said third casing and thereafter out of said third casing to process the packages of yarn.

13. A machine for conditioning packages of yarn, comprising a first casing, a first vacuum outlet in said first casing for Withdrawing air therefrom to remove the residual air from the packages of yarn therein, a first steam nilet in said first casing for receiving steam therethrough to apply steam under pressure to the packages of yarn therein for treatment thereof, a sequencing device for controlling the program of operations of said machine, a first means including a first switching means operatively responsive to said device for alternately connecting said first outlet to an associated evacuating mechanism and said first inlet to an associated steam source, second casing means, a second vacuum outlet in said sec- 0nd casing means for withdrawing air therefrom prior to admitting steam into said second casing means, a second steam inlet in said second casing means for receiving steam therethrough to apply steam under pressure to the packages of yarn therein for further treatment thereof, a second means including a second switching means operatively responsive to said sequencing device for alternately connecting said second outlet to the associated evacuating mechanism and said second inlet to the associated steam source, a third casing, a third vacuum outlet in said third casing for withdrawing vapor therefrom to reduce the moisture content of the packages of yarn therein to a predetermined level to finish the treatment of the packages of yarn, a third means including a third switching means connected to said third outlet and operatively responsive to'said sequencingdevice for alternatel holding and breaking the vacuum in said third casing, a first sealing means on said first casing operatively responsive to said device for sealing said first casing during the treatment of the packages of yarn therein and for unsealing said first casing to admit and discharge-the packages of yarn therefrom, a second sealing means on said second casing means operatively responsive to said device for sealing said second casing means during the treatment of the packages of yarn therein and for unsealing said second casing means to admit and discharge the packages of yarn therefrom, a third sealing means for interconnecting said first casing and said second casing means to preserve the environment therein during movement of the packages of yarn from said first casing to said second casing means, a fourth sealing means on said third casing operatively responsive to said device for sealing said third casing during the treatment of the packages of yarn therein and for unsealing said third casing to admit and discharge the packages of yarn therefrom, a fifth sealing means for interconnecting said second casing means and said third casing to preserve the environment therein during movement of the packages of yarn from said second casing means to said third casing, and conveying means operatively responsive to said sequencing device for moving thepackages of yarn into said first casing and thereafter into said second casing means and thereafter into said third casing and thereafter out of said third casing to process the packages of yarn.

14. A machine for conditioning packages of yarn, comprising a first casing, a first vacuum outlet in said first casing for withdrawing air therefrom to remove the residual air from the packages of yarn therein, a first steam inlet in said first casing for receiving steam therethrough to apply steam under pressure to the packages of yarn therein for treatment thereof, second casing means, a second steam inlet in said second casing means for receiving steam therethrough to apply steam under pressure to thepackages of yarn therein for further treatment thereof, a third casing, a second vacuum outlet in said third casing for withdrawing vapor therefrom to reduce the moisture content of the packages of yarn therein to a predetermined level to finish the treatment of the packages of yarn, a first sealing means on said first casing for sealing said first casing to treat the packages of yarn, a second sealing means on said second casing means for sealing said second casing means to treat further the packages of yarn, a third sealing means for interconnecting said first casing and said second casing means to preserve the environment therein during movement of the packages of yarn from said first casing to said second casing means,

' fourth sealing means on said third casing for sealing said a first means including a fir t switching means operatively responsive to said conveyor means for venting said first casing and said second casing means and thereafter opening said first and said sec ond'sealingmeans and thereafter closing said first and said second sealing means and thereafter admitting steam into said first casing and said second casing means from an associated steam source, and a second means including a second switching means operatively responsive to said conveyor means for opening said fourth sealing means and thereafter closing said fourth sealing means and thereafter connecting said third vacuum outlet to an associated evacuating mechanism.

15. In a machine for conditioning packages of yarn by first Withdrawing the residual air therefrom and thereafter subjecting the packages of yarn to steam under pressure and thereafter reducing the moisture content of the packages of yarn to a predetermined level; the combination comprising a casing open at least at one end for treating the packages of yarn therein, a basket having an imperforate end for holding the packages of yarn during treatment thereof in said casing, an abutment surface on said basket adjacent said imperforate end, and an inflatable seal on said casing cooperating with the periphery of said open end thereof for forceably engaging said abutment surface on said basket whereby said inflatable seal and said abutment surface and said imperforate end cooperate to hermetically seal said open end of said casing for preserving the environment therein during treatment of the packages of yarn.

16. in a machine for conditioning packages of yarn by first withdrawing the residual air therefrom and thereafter subjecting the packages of yarn to steam under pressure and thereafter reducing the moisture content of the packages of yarn to a predetermined level; the combination comprising a casing open at both ends for treatin the packages of yarn therein, a basket having imperforate ends for holding the packages of yarn during treatment thereof in said casing, abutment surfaces on said basket adjacent said imperforate ends, and inflatable seals 011 the inner surface of said casing near each of said open ends for forceably engaging said abutment surfaces on said basket, whereby said seals and said abutment surfaces and said imperforate ends cooperate to hermetically seal said open ends of said casing for preserving the environment therein during treatment of the packages of yarn.

17. In a machine for conditioning packages of yarn by first withdrawing the residual air therefrom and thereafter subjecting the packages of yarn to steam under pressure and thereafter reducing the moisture content of the packages of yarn to a predetermined level; the combination comprising a plurality of vertically extending casings teach open at least at one end thereof for treating the packages of yarn therein, a plurality of baskets for holding the packages of yarn during treatment thereof in said casings, each of said baskets having an imperforate end and an abutment surface adjacent thereto, and an inflatable seal on each of said casings cooperting with the periphery of said open end thereof for forceably engaging one of said abutment surfaces and for vertically supporting one of said baskets, whereby said seals and said abutment surfaces and said imperforate ends cooperate to hermetically seal said open ends of said casings for preserving the environment therein during treatment of the packages of yarn.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,127,638 Brandwood Aug, 23, 1938 2,283,319 Dienst May 19, 1942 2,384,500 Stoll Sept. 11, 1945 2,457,116 Baer Dec. 28, 1948 2,541,859 Callaghan et a1. Feb. 13, 1951 2,554,560 Craig May 29, 1951 2,598,000 Knopp et a1. May 27, 1952 

